There is absolutely no shortage of camping in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Four developed campgrounds with 175 total sites and eight primitive campgrounds with even more places to camp are located throughout the park. Primitive campgrounds are free, and sites at developed campgrounds range from fifteen to thirty-five dollars per night (and $80 for a group site at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground).

The primitive campgrounds have vault toilets (except at Yaqui Pass), but not picnic tables or other amenities. Fish Creek Campground is the most developed of the primitive campgrounds. Its six sites all have their own fire rings, which are not included at other primitive campgrounds.

Blair Valley Campground is a large undeveloped area situated at 2,500 feet above sea level, providing more moderate temperatures than the desert below. Culp Valley is the highest primitive campground at 3,350 feet and Fish Creek is the lowest at 280 feet.

There is no garbage collection outside developed campgrounds so pack-in pack-out

Ground fires are not permitted, and metal containers must be used for all campfires

This last rule is the trickiest. Bring a metal container to keep your fire off the ground. Pack out all coals, and dispose of them as trash. Coals should not be buried or spread out on the soil.

Dogs are welcome on leashes within campgrounds, but dogs are not allowed on trails or in wilderness areas. Overall, the desert is not a good place for dogs. Burned paw pads, cactus quills, and snakebites pose a danger to dogs, and canines threaten desert biomes as well. A dog’s scent can scare other animals away from trail areas, shrinking the habitat they rely on to survive.

If you not interested in sleeping on the ground, check out other lodging options on tripadvisor.com.

We drove from San Diego to Anza Borrego for some epic desert camping at Fish Creek. We got wood and beverages at the Iron Door and had an insane time trying to bike through the sand at Fish Creek Wash. It was the perfect time of year to visit and we look forward to returning to hike the mud caves!

Hi Dave,I’ve uploaded a photo of the park regulations page from a guide for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. For primitive/backcountry camping and day use it reads that “Vehicles must be parked no more than 1 vehicle length off the road. Do not trample vegetation or drive over geological features.”

Hello,I need to know if you are still allowed to camp at the wind caves inside the small caves. I did it when I was a younger boys out and was wondering if I still can with a few friends? Also would there be a fee if we did?

I’d definitely recommend the Arroyo Salado campground, if you like quiet, wild camping like us. No reservation needed and there were plenty of spots when we rolled up over President’s Day weekend. You can have fires — just go to the hardware store in town and get a metal trash can lid for $5.

[…] place to begin your exploration of the Anza-Borrego Desert. To reach the trailhead, drive through Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, the largest developed campground in the park, where an eight-dollar day use fee is charged. This […]

I believe that this information is still up to date. Stop by the visitor center in Borrego Springs (or call them at (760)767-4205 for the latest updates). You can deposit the fee at the campground. Bring the exact amount or a check.

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